History of 600-year-old Mayo Augustinian Friary to be explored

THE early history of the Augustinian Friary (St. Mary’s Abbey), Ballyhaunis, will be explored at a one-day symposium in the Friary Church on Saturday, August 22.

Four specialists in medieval history and archaeology will talk about the beginnings of the Friary 600 years ago and its place in the early history of the Augustinians during the pre-reformation period (c.1400-1550).

The contributors and their chosen topics are: Dr. Nollaig Ó Muraíle - Ballyhaunis and vicinity in the Middle Ages; Br. Colmán Ó Clabaigh, OSB - Ballyhaunis in Context: The Augustinian Friars in Pre-reformation Ireland; Dr. Yvonne McDermott - The Medieval Augustinians in the West of Ireland: Architecture and Layout; and Fr. Iggy O’Donovan, OSA - Reflections on the Augustinian presence in Ballyhaunis and elsewhere with emphasis on the turbulent cleric Fr. James Anderson, OSA.

The Foundations of a Friary symposium runs from 9.30 a.m. to 4 p.m., with light lunch included (12.30 - 1.30). Tickets are €20 on Eventbrite and on the door. Proceeds to the Friary Conservation Fund.

For enquiries, contact (087) 4114628 or email paulfxwaldron@gmail.com.